Development and validation of a gasification model to investigate the effect of temperature reduction on increased syngas yield

Dalen, K.J van (2024)

This thesis focuses on development and validation of a model of the biomass gasification process, particularly examining the effects of various parameters, including temperature, steam-to-biomass ratio, and equivalence ratio, on the gasification outcomes. The primary goal is to optimize biomass throughput and the production of syngas while keeping tar formation under control. The study incorporates both experimental data and simulation models to validate the model and explore the parametric influences on gasification efficiency and tar production. Key findings include that lowering the gasification temperature increases the potential thoughput of the gasifier. Also, there is the observation that lower gasification temperatures result in higher lower heating values (LHV) of syngas due to reduced energy requirements for steam heating, thereby preserving more chemical energy from the biomass. The work concludes with recommendations for optimizing gasification conditions to achieve cleaner and more efficient syngas production. The insights provided aim to contribute to the advancement of biomass gasification technologies, offering practical solutions for industrial applications.